Key programming mode is on. How to exit.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by messem, May 10, 2024.

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  1. messem

    messem New Member

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    Hello,

    I recently purchased a programmable fob key for my 2008 Prius (silver key with SKS). Despite following the programming procedure, my car remains stuck in "FOB programming mode." I've attempted to program a new key, but the red light displaying the car silhouette with a key inside continues to blink indefinitely.

    Due to this mode, I'm unable to start my car without the SKS. I've deactivated the smart key function by pressing the button under the steering wheel and inserted the key into the slot, but the car won't start.

    I've thoroughly searched the manual, forums, and Reddit for solutions, but unfortunately, haven't found any information on how to exit "FOB programming mode." I unplugged the battery for a few minutes, but it did not help too. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 messem, May 10, 2024
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Why is this being called the fob programming mode The car with the key in the red light on the dash Is that necessarily the programming mode or it telling you that the key is not at range or what have you I'll have to go out and look in the software because I certainly don't remember.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, May 11, 2024
  3. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Can you tell us the history of what's going on? Did the car operate normally before this procedure? Does the car start if the fob is in the dash slot?

    What "procedure" did you use? (Is it the "chicken dance" or did you use a scantool?) You need one fully functional SKS fob in order to add another (and you need a "vacancy" in the ecu- if there are too many fobs in memory the procedure will fail).

    Normally I would expect the red security icon to blink if the car doesn't detect a valid key fob.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #3 mr_guy_mann, May 11, 2024
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  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Have you tried disconnecting the 12volt system to reset everything to factory default yet?
     
    #4 PriusCamper, May 11, 2024
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    When I'm not using my car, the security icon blinks at regular intervals. It's what it does.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, May 11, 2024
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  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Are you suggesting OP is confusing Key Fob programming mode with normal security light blinking?
     
    #6 PriusCamper, May 11, 2024
  7. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Without knowing more, I can't rule it out.
     
    #7 ChapmanF, May 11, 2024
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  8. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I haven't had to program any keys My locksmith has the machine that can do it all in one step apparently so does the same icon that is used for the security system flash and a certain way when your programming a key? I assume it flashes differently than it does when it's just on?. I'll have to look in the software tonight and see I guess what's supposed to go on. But I wouldn't think you could be locked into anything after resetting the car turning it off or what have you. That seems just like not a thing. And usually I have all the security stuff turned off in the software so my key car red light doesn't really flash I don't think SKS and all that works the door is set to open just the driver door no flashing no lights no beeps no security.
     
    #8 Tombukt2, May 11, 2024
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Makes sense to me... I've never heard of any lights that indicate Key Fob programming mode. I've heard of some beeps and clicks via the chicken dance, but those don't stick around for very long.
     
    #9 PriusCamper, May 11, 2024
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  10. messem

    messem New Member

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    I did "Chicken Dance", by inserting FOB 5 times and opening doors 6 times, before this car operated normally and I was able to ignite engine by entering the FOB key into the key slot and pressing the ignition button, now only SKS works.

    I am the second owner of the car, I believe there has been only one programmed key for this car since 2008.
    The red light on the dash blinks at different frequencies than in the "normal" state. It blinks less frequently.
     
    #10 messem, May 12, 2024
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